Suction Side Pool Cleaners

A suction side pool cleaner is designed to operate using the pressure created by the pool filter pump in your salt water system. The cleaner is attached to the intake line where water is drawn from your pool into the circulation system beneath the skimmer or a to the skimmer itself by using a special attachment. In some pools there is a dedicated suction cleaner line that is plumbed separate from the skimmer made just for the purpose of housing a suction vacuum. The alternative is to utilize a pressure side pool cleaner that draws power from outflowing water. 

The main advantage of suction cleaners is that they don’t require a separate booster pump because they use the suction from the existing pool water pump. Another advantage is that a timer isn’t required since they operate simultaneously with your pool system so you know that any time your pool system is running your vacuum is silently keeping your pool clean. Another great option especially for salt water pool owners is to use a robotic pool cleaner which operates completely separate from the pool pump system on a separate booster pump.

3 Best Suction Side Pool Cleaners

The best suction side pool cleaners on the market today will provide more than enough cleaning power to clean the entire pool. Look for a model that has efficient operation and can deliver optimal cleaning performance with the least amount of the suction required. A variable speed pool pump is ideal for this type of cleaner but look for a cleaner that can operate even on low flow pool pumps and even solar power.

Polaris MAXX Suction Side Pool Cleaner

The Polaris MAXX Premium Suction-Side Automatic Pool Cleaner is a powerful, low maintenance vacuum designed to keep pools consistently crystal clean. Using the advanced HALO debris removal technology, it efficiently captures everything from fine silt and sand to large leaves while its scrubbing brushes loosen stubborn stains. Multi-directional navigation and durable tracked movement enable the cleaner to cover the entire pool, from floor to walls, including the waterline. It can operate effectively at lower flow rates and includes feature like a flow regulator valve and replaceable brushes, making it dependable, energy efficient and ready to work all season long. 

Hayward Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner

The Hayward Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner is a dependable, easy-to-install automatic cleaner designed to deliver powerful, consistent cleaning using your pool's existing filtration system. Its patented self-adjusting turbine vanes help maintain strong suction at a range of flow levels while still allowing debris to pass through without clogging. The durable tire treads and adjustable roller skirt help it climb walls, maneuver around obstacles and maintain optimal suction on uneven surfaces. The quite operation, low maintenance and reliable debris removal, from fine particulate to large leaves, make this a practical, energy efficient way to keep your pool clean and ready. 

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Suction Side Cleaner  

The Zodiac Baracuda G3 Automatic In-Ground Pool Cleaner is a reliable suction side cleaner designed to deliver simple, efficient cleaning using your pool's existing pump and filtration system. It features a durable long life diaphragm with only one moving part, providing quiet operation, low maintenance and dependable debris removal from dirt and sand to leaves and larger debris. Its 36 fin disc helps maintain strong adhesion on a variety of pool surfaces while preventing getting stuck on lights, drains, and fittings. It's easy to install with a quick-release cassette for quick maintenance and overall minimal effort. 

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How a Suction Side Pool Cleaner Works

A suction side pool cleaner works by utilizing the vacuum created by the filter pump when it’s pulling water through the circulation system. The suction generates enough power for the cleaner to move in a random pattern along the pool floor and walls. As it tracks around the pool, debris is vacuumed from your pool bottom and taken through to the filter that's part of your existing pool circulation system. The large debris is collected in the pump basket of your filter pump and smaller debris is collected further along in the pool filter.

It's important to check and empty the pump basket and filter often when using a suction side pool cleaner to optimize the cleaning performance of the vacuum. 

You'll want to consider the required pressure for different suction pool cleaners. In general, a ¾ horsepower pool water pump is adequate to operate most cleaners. The vacuum is dependant on the suction created by the pump. If your pool system is not in optimum condition either due to a clogged pump basket or a pool water filter that needs cleaning, your cleaners effectiveness will be affected negatively. It’s important to note that too much suction can affect the cleaners’ ability to move along the floor.

A major benefit to a suction side pool cleaner is they don't require a separate booster pump or a timer and a separate designated line isn't required. A booster pump is required with most pressure side pool cleaners to enable enough pressure to work properly. A timer isn't required because a suction cleaner can operate anytime the existing pump is operating. They also have less moving parts, which means less repair and maintenance.

Suction Side Pool Cleaner FAQs

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